Sleep Disorders: Disrupted Sleep, Impaired Health. Find Relief with Healthy Start at Harwood Dental
Do you wake up feeling unrested, even after a full night's sleep? Do you experience frequent snoring or gasping for air during sleep? These could be signs of sleep apnea, a common sleep disorder that disrupts your breathing and negatively impacts your overall health.
At Harwood Dental, we understand the importance of a good night's sleep for your well-being. That's why we're proud to offer the Healthy Start® program, a non-invasive and effective solution for treating sleep apnea in children and adults.
This guide explores sleep apnea, its symptoms and risks, and how the Healthy Start program can help you achieve restful sleep and improve your overall health.
Understanding Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder characterized by repeated pauses in breathing throughout the night. These pauses can occur hundreds of times a night, disrupting your sleep cycle and preventing you from reaching deep, restorative sleep stages.
There are three main types of sleep apnea:
- Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA): The most common type, caused by a blockage in the airway, typically due to relaxed throat muscles or enlarged tonsils.
- Central sleep apnea: Occurs when the brain fails to send signals to the muscles that control breathing.
- Mixed sleep apnea: A combination of obstructive and central sleep apnea.
Symptoms of Sleep Apnea
The following symptoms are common with sleep apnea:
- Excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS)
- Loud snoring
- Witnessed breathing pauses during sleep
- Morning headaches
- Difficulty concentrating
- Irritability
- Mood swings
- Dry mouth or sore throat upon waking
Risks of Untreated Sleep Apnea
Leaving sleep apnea untreated can lead to various health complications, including:
- Increased risk of heart disease, stroke, and high blood pressure
- Type 2 diabetes
- Depression and anxiety
- Work and academic performance problems
- Increased risk of accidents due to daytime sleepiness
Ready to Schedule Your Appointment?
We look forward to meeting you and becoming your trusted dental partner. Contact Harwood Dental today at (817) 518-9895 to schedule your initial appointment!
